News

Inside Maui’s endorsement process: Business, labor and politics

Free October 29, 2026

In Maui County, business associations, political action committees and labor unions have lined up behind candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Their endorsements offer a glimpse of the organizations and interests supporting local candidates — and perhaps the priorities they hope elected officials will advance. But an endorsement is more than a name on a campaign website. Organizations use different methods to evaluate candidates, from questionnaires and interviews to reviews of voting records and personal relationships. Many also provide financial support, adding another ...

June Jones, whose run-and-shoot offense dazzled at Hawaii and in the NFL, dies at 73

Local News October 29, 2026

June Jones, the cutting-edge coach who brought the run-and-shoot offense to Hawaii and led the Rainbow Warriors to their greatest era and an undefeated regular season that catapulted them all the way to the Sugar Bowl, died on Thursday. He was 73. Hawaii's football program in a statement did ...

Heavy rain triggers flood warnings, road and park closures on Maui

Local News October 29, 2026

Heavy rainfall and flooding prompted flash flood warnings, road closures and the closure of several parks and recreational facilities across Maui on Thursday, Oct. 29. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Maui from 8:55 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, with rainfall rates of 1 ...

MEMA issues evacuation warning for Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park

Local News October 29, 2026

At the request of the National Park Service, the Maui Emergency Management Agency issued an evacuation warning at 10:43 a.m. Thursday for the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park due to flash flooding and other hazards. An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate or have livestock or pets may consider leaving early. A temporary evacuation site opened Wednesday night at Helene Hall, 174 Keawa Place, in Hana, due to increased rainfall and flooding. The site will remain open until the threat of flash ...

Former Maui Police lieutenant denied bail

Local News October 29, 2026

Former Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituulala has been denied bail for a second time as he faces accusations that he accepted bribes to protect cockfighting rings and drug dealers. Vaituulala, 53, faces a possible 20-year prison sentence and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted. Federal authorities allege that Vaituulala used his position as head of the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit to accept bribes and shield illegal activities. In denying Vaituulala's latest request for release, Judge Kenneth Mansfield found there had been no change in circumstances warranting ...

Molokai schools expected to reopen Thursday

Local News October 29, 2026

All five public schools on Molokai are expected to reopen Thursday, Oct. 29, after closing Wednesday due to flooding that affected safe access to campuses. The Hawaii State Department of Education announced the closures early Wednesday morning because flooded roads made travel unsafe for school buses and staff. The affected schools are Molokai High, Molokai Middle, Kaunakakai Elementary, Kilohana Elementary and Maunaloa Elementary. In a Wednesday afternoon update, the department said all five schools were expected to safely resume normal operations Thursday. All other public schools ...